DeLand leaders get update on downtown development

Monday

Jul 15, 2013 at 10:07 PMJul 15, 2013 at 10:08 PM

City officials received an update Monday night on a proposed multi-use development in downtown DeLand being undertaken by the White Challis Redevelopment Company, along with an idea of how the group plans to market the new homes and retail spaces.

ANTHONY DeFEOSTAFF WRITER

DELAND — City officials received an update Monday night on a proposed multi-use development in downtown DeLand being undertaken by the White Challis Redevelopment Company, along with an idea of how the group plans to market the new homes and retail spaces. The development, known as the Woodland Block project, was approved last November and, if built, stands to bring dozens of new residents and businesses to the city's center. As they were required to do under their agreement with the city, developers Jack White and Chris Challis of the Daytona Beach-based company presented a draft marketing plan for the project to the city's downtown CRA board, which includes the five members of the City Commission and two downtown business owners. White said the company held two focus groups and found there's a high demand for downtown living in DeLand. Currently, there are very few places where people can live downtown. The development is designed to appeal to "empty-nesters" — baby boomers whose children have moved out and who are seeking a smaller home — along with young professionals. The company plans to build on 1.86 acres near the corner of Woodland Boulevard and Church Street — the former site of DeLand's downtown YMCA — in phases from 2014 through 2017. The project tentatively includes about 14 condominium units, eight two-story townhomes and eight two-story brownstone-style homes, as well as 3,900 square feet of commercial space. Challis said despite the interest from prospective residents — the company already has eight paid reservations for loft-style condominium units, he said — the project is facing challenges getting financing. However, the company continues to work with banks around the area in order to move forward, he said. During its meeting, which started immediately after the CRA's, the City Commission unanimously approved a new agreement with the DeLand High School Boosters to operate the concession stands at the newly-renovated Spec Martin Stadium when it opens in August. The group will sell food and drink at both DeLand High School and Stetson University football games. "The reason we're entering into a new agreement this year is primarily due to the addition of Stetson University football," said Rick Hall, the city's director of parks and recreation. "That brings on some new challenges for the people in the Boosters." The agreement was made for only a one-year term, to make sure the group can cope with the increased demand collegiate football games will cause. Under the agreement, the city will take a 10 percent cut of the group's gross sales under $80,000 and a 15 percent cut for all sales over that threshold. The city also moved forward on its process of crafting its fiscal 2013-2014 budget, by adopting a proposed property tax rate of $7.23 per $1,000 of value, before debt service, up from $7.01 currently. The owner of a $125,000 home with a $50,000 homestead exemption would pay $542.25 in property taxes under the proposed rate, compared to $525.75 this year. The estimated rolled-back rate for 2013-2014 is $7.03 per $1,000 of taxable value, according to an agenda item prepared by Finance Director Kevin Lewis. DeLand Mayor Bob Apgar noted that by voting to advertise the rate, the city may choose to enact a lower rate after it holds its two required public budget hearings in September, but it can not propose a higher rate.

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